#11 Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics Programs
The online master’s in business analytics program is ranked No. 11 by Fortune in 2022.2
Online Master of Science
in Analytics
Gain Specialized Data Analysis Skills
Analytics@American, the online Master of Science in Analytics (MSAn) program from the Kogod School of Business, prepares students to become experts in data analysis. In as few as 12 to 15 months, students will learn how to use data to solve a variety of organizational and business challenges related to fiscal performance and operational effectiveness.1
An MSAn degree is ideal for professionals who want to apply data insights to make a real difference for their organizations. Students in the program learn how to use evidence-based data gathering, data modeling, and quantitative analysis to help businesses make informed decisions and gain competitive advantages.
How We Rank
Both Kogod and the online MS in Analytics program are recognized for their quality experience and education.
#17 Best Online Business Programs for Veterans
Kogod’s online business master’s programs are ranked the No. 17 best online programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.3
#35 for Online Business Programs
Kogod’s online business master’s programs are ranked the No. 35 best online business programs overall by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.4
#40 Master’s in Business Analytics Program
QS World University Rankings ranked American University’s MSAn program the No. 40 master’s in business analytics program in the world for 2022.5
An MS in Data Science vs. an MS in Analytics
The online MS in Analytics program focuses on the important relationship between business and analytics strategy. Compared to an MS in Data Science program that typically offers an education focused on how to design algorithms and statistical programming, the MS in Analytics explores how the data gained from those algorithms can be used to influence a wide range of industries.
MS in Data Science
Focuses on foundational data collection techniques, featuring courses like Database Management and Statistical Programming
Is designed for domestic and global business professionals
Prepares students for careers such as business operations manager, financial manager, and budget analyst
MS in Analytics
Focuses on data analysis, featuring courses like Business Insights Through Analytics, Statistics, and Database and Big Data
Is designed for professionals looking to use advanced mathematical models and methods to solve problems at their job
Prepares students for careers such as financial analyst, business intelligence consultant, and supply chain manager
Get Started
Enhance your data analysis skills and gain the tools you need to advance your career. Learn more about the online Master of Science in Analytics program.
Curriculum
The Kogod online business analytics program prepares students to make educated assessments by applying analytical techniques to real-world business practices. Unlike many data science master’s degree programs, the applied business emphasis provides students with the opportunity to explore the business domain of their choice. You can also customize your degree by choosing one of our pre-designed focus areas or designing your own.
Program Requirements
33 total credit hours
6 core courses
4 elective courses
2 analytics practicums in Washington, D.C. and virtually
Core Courses
Managerial Statistics
Managing Digital Organizations
Database and Big Data
Business Insights through Analytics
Predictive Analysis
Business Intelligence
Applied Tools and Programming Languages
SQL
Tableau
Hadoop
R + R Studio
Excel and add-ins (XLMiner and Analytic Solver)
Focus Areas
Students can concentrate their degree program by choosing a pre-designed focus area or by selecting
electives that best suit their goals. Focus areas include:
Business Foundations
Develop the core management skills to make better business decisions for your organization through courses such as Strategic Thinking and Managerial Economics & Corporate Strategy.
Cybersecurity
Focus on strategies to prepare for, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity attacks through courses such as Cybersecurity Risk Management and Cybersecurity Governance.
Financial Analytics
Develop both analytic and financial expertise through courses such as Financial Statement Analysis and Forensic Accounting: Fraud Examination & Litigation Support.
Consulting
Prepare for success in this field and appeal to potential employers and clients through courses such as Business Law & Ethics and Strategic Thinking for Decisions.
The Business Fundamentals Certificate
You will have the option to pursue the Business Fundamentals Certificate as a part of your analytics degree for no additional cost or time to complete by selecting four elective courses that meet the certificate requirements. Gain a fundamental understanding of business and management in courses that focus on financial accounting, marketing, finance, international business, and more.
Analytics Practicums
The curriculum includes one in-person practicum, which takes place on American University’s campus in Washington, D.C., that allow students to solve business challenges with real organizations. The virtual practicum is to be completed first, then an in-person practicum is completed in the last semester for the Business Analytics program. Some of the organizations that Kogod has partnered with include Capital One and Venture Capital. Students use descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics tools to find solutions to problems these organizations face. In addition to these problem-solving projects, students attend talks from business leaders and explore the nation’s capital.
Our Approach to Learning: Practice Makes Perfect
Throughout the online program, students will have the opportunity to gain real-life experience working for a DC-based company that aligns with their career goals. Working virtually as pro-bono consultants, students develop close relationships with local companies to help them grow and adapt to changing markets—all while building key skills that will give them a leg up in the job market.
This past spring and summer, six groups of students—ranging from first-year undergraduates to second-year MBA students—worked alongside six growing small businesses in the DC area through the Kogod in Practice initiative, to help these companies solve real business problems. Learn more about their experience in the initiative and how they produced results for their clients in our article here.
Faculty Spotlight
Online MS in Analytics students learn from the same experienced Kogod faculty who teach on campus. Made up of entrepreneurs, educators, CEOs, executives, and board members of Fortune 500 companies, our faculty are dedicated to lending support and remaining accessible to their students.
Gwanhoo Lee
Professor
Professor Lee serves as Chair of the Department of Information Technology and Analytics and teaches digital leadership and strategy to undergraduate students and project management to graduate students. His primary research areas include digital innovation, digital transformation, digital health care, information privacy, cybersecurity, smart government, software development agility and complexity, and project management.
Résumé Highlights
- Advisor to South Korea’s Presidential Committee on the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Formerly consulted for the World Bank and Samsung on digital strategy
- Published work across a variety of esteemed journals including MIS Quarterly, Journal of Management Information Systems, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, European Journal of Information Systems, and Communications of the ACM.
Focus Areas: digital innovation, project management, business intelligence
Mahsa Oroojeni
Professorial Lecturer
Mahsa focuses her research on personalized disease management, personalized telehealth, healthcare analytics and informatics, applied machine learning, health economics, and supply chain management.
Résumé Highlights
- Postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Published work in the Journal of Applied Mathematical Modeling, Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Diabetes, International Journal of Business Information Systems, International Journal of Supply and Operations Management, and International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Focus Areas: IT, analytics, managerial statistics
Jay Simon
Associate Professor
Jay has worked in a variety of areas in analytics since 2004, including analyzing cancer treatment choices, using geographic data to inform policy decisions, and designing several defense applications. His main academic research focus is in prescriptive analytics, particularly modeling preferences for decisions involving outcomes that occur over time, space, or groups of people.
Résumé Highlights
- Published in many prominent academic journals, including Operations Research, Decision Sciences, Risk Analysis, Decision Analysis, European Journal of Operational Research, INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics, and Theory and Decision
- Associate editor of the journals Decision Analysis and Military Operations Research
Focus Areas: business analytics
Applying to Analytics@American
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to apply. GMAT and GRE scores are not required. To complete the application, you must submit the following:
Online application
Application fee
Personal statement
Résumé
Letters of recommendation
Transcripts
Test scores (optional)
The MS in Analytics program has four start dates throughout the year. Kogod accepts applications on a rolling basis.
The final deadline for the July 2023 cohort is May 22, 2023.
Where Can Analytics@American Connections Get You?
Your classmates and online MBA alumni are located across the world with connections to top U.S. and international corporations. This network is in addition to the larger AU and Kogod alumni bases that you will join when you graduate. No matter where you live and what industry you work in, our alumni are available to help you reach your career goals.
20,000+
Kogod Alumni
130,000+
AU Alumni
The map displays states of residence for all students enrolled in the MBA program since the inception of the online program, including: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
Uplifting Diverse Perspectives and Voices
Lasting success depends on the diverse connections we make. Analytics@American students bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the classroom. The Kogod School of Business is proud to encourage these viewpoints in an inclusive learning environment.
The data in the graph above represents all students enrolled in the program between 2017-2021. The circle graph shows percentage breakdown of race: 52% White/Caucasian, 21% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic, 10% Asian, 5% Two or More Races, 2% Unknown, and 1% American Indian or Alaska Native.
Online Learning Experience
Analytics@American students attend live, online classes where they interact and collaborate via webcam with Kogod faculty members and classmates. They complete weekly self-paced course work that complements the assignments and discussion in the live classes and have full access to office hours.
The Value of a Master’s in Analytics
In the MS in Analytics program, students learn to use the most up-to-date data analysis strategies to transform relevant information into tangible solutions. Graduates prepare to work as intelligence analysts, financial analysts, marketing analysts, business analytics consultants, entrepreneurs, supply chain managers, and more.
“I was looking for a program that gave me the ability to better understand businesses and business issues combined with the skills required for data analysis. That combination is ultimately what helped me successfully land my current job.”
John Gayton
Analytics@American Graduate, Services Data Analyst at Agilent Technologies
Use Data to Advance Your Career with
a Master of Science in Analytics
Gain expertise in data analysis and learn to apply new insights in your industry. Request information about the online Master of Science in Analytics program today.
1 Program time to completion depends on when you start the program.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics Programs in 2022. Fortune. Retrieved March 2022.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for Veterans (Excluding MBA). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 2022.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
4Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (Excluding MBA). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved March 2022.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
5QS World University Rankings. Retrieved March 2022.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
5 This information includes: Hispanic/Latino, Black or African American, non-Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native students, as well as two or more races, when one or more are from the preceding racial and ethnic categories.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference